Tag Archives: Christmas

Gimnazija KranjSymphony Orchestra on GreatChristmas Concert 2010 in Cankarjev dom (Gallus Hall). Amazing concert was sold out in a couple of hours. Solo violin: Matjaž Bogataj. Conductor: maestro Nejc Bečan. Concert direction: Primož Zevnik. The audience was thrilled by virtuoso playing and special stage charm and energy. Legendary.

I’m really confused as to why they didn’t get a standing ovation. This piece moved me to tears when I first saw it. Every emotion floods through my heart when I hear this and I can’t imagine a better piece to watch being performed.

How fun to be kind
Give yourself the gift of kindness – volunteer in your community or join a local cause. Helping others can help us feel better about ourselves (and it’s contagious!).

My friend just walked through the snowy streets to bring me a freshly brewed cup of tea as she knows I am not feeling well today. A lovely Random Act of Kindness! I hope everyone is enjoying their day.

Calexico straddle that line between country and pop so well it truly is a wonder that they have been more widely feted. In 2000 they’ve gave us yet another reason to love them when they offered a Christmas song for the charity album ‘It’s A Cool, Cool Christmas’. The slow march of ‘Gift X-Change’ was a departure from the well travelled road of the traditional festive tune and while it’s cerebral approach might not have been to everyone’s taste it nonetheless offered a nice alternative to the usual December fare.

My new hardcover Hotel Vendôme goes on sale this month, and I’m very excited about it. It’s a book both men and women can enjoy, about the life and times of a New York hotel, and the man who owns and runs it. He’s the single father of an enchanting little girl, who grows up at the hotel, with all its excitement, mystery, and magic. Hotels and the people who visit them are fascinating, and the behind-the-scenes intrigues even more so! I love this book, and hope you will too and have fun with it.

November also brings us the Thanksgiving holiday, cherished by so many. Traditionally, it’s a time for families to get together and enjoy good meals and good times. Those of us who do not have the opportunity to be with our families may gather around the Thanksgiving table with friends who are dear to us. Sometimes even that can’t happen—I’ve had some years like that too, many of us have—and on those occasions, it is meaningful to do what we can for others, and to be grateful for the blessings we do have. It is a time to take stock and be thankful, to reach out to those who are less fortunate or lonely or solitary. It is a time for gratitude and giving. Whatever you do, and however you spend the holiday, I hope that it is peaceful, satisfying, and a warm moment for you.